Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda bounced back in Game 2, whipping Wangs Basketball @27 Stikers-Letran, 74-51, on Tuesday to force a rubber match in their 2023 PBA D-League semifinal series at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Red Lions started strong and this time they didn’t falter, securing a win to stay alive in the best-of-three series.
Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, with the winner earning a shot at the reigning champion EcoOil-La Salle, which completed a sweep of its semifinal series against the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta in the first game.
Peter Alfaro delivered an impressive performance with 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 25 minutes of play, leading four players from the Red Lions to score in double digits. They dominated from the start with a 17-6 lead and held a lead of as much as 27 points.
James Payosing and Jacob Cortez contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively, while Clifford Jopia achieved a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds for the Red Lions.
“We have to give credit to our players. We really emphasized composure and smart play. The players made a point to control the situation, and they succeeded. Hats off to them,” said Red Lions coach Yuri Escueta.
San Beda blew a 24-point lead and lost 93-87 in overtime in Game 1 against Letran. However, this time the Red Lions made sure they wouldn’t succumb to pressure.
No player from Letran reached double digits in scoring. Their star player, Reyson, managed only eight points, a far cry from his 32-point effort in Game 1.
The Scores:
Marinero-San Beda 74 – Alfaro 20, Payosing 12, Cortez 11, Jopia 11, Cuntapay 6, Visser 4, Royo 4, Gallego 2, Andrada 2, Puno 2, Teruel 0, Alloso 0.
Wangs Strikers-Letran 51 – Tolentino 9, Reyson 8, Monje 8, Cuajao 6, Santos 4, Bojorcelo 4, Javillonar 3, Fajardo 3, Ariar 2, Brillantes 2, Morales 2, Laquindanum 0, Go 0, Guarino 0.
Quarterscores: 17-9, 34-26, 49-40, 74-51.
